The Orange County Planning Department (Planning) works with various local, regional and state organizations and departments to encourage agricultural businesses and protect farmland throughout the County.
The resources provide additional information for farmers and others who are involved with or interested in agriculture.
The Orange County Agricultural Districts contain agricultural land that has been recognized by the County and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets as containing viable farmland that has been designated for protection from non-agricultural uses.
There are multiple farmers’ markets throughout Orange County that provide a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, cheeses, meats, wines, and miscellaneous crafts to residents, workers, and visitors of the county.
In 2015, the County Planning Department worked with an Advisory Committee to update the County’s Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan, originally adopted in 1996.
Orange County funded land preservation projects from 2005 until 2007 through its Open Space Fund Program, which offered up to 50% matching funds for land protection.